50th anniversary of the closing of Alcatraz prison

March 20, 2013

Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary closed on March 21, 1963. During its 29 years as a prison it held some of America's most infamous criminals, some of whom tried desperately to escape "the Rock."

Bureau of Prisons/University of California Press

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Gangster Al Capone was one of the most famous inmates at Alcatraz. He served his term there from 1934-39. Capone was almost stabbed in the neck by inmate James Lucas, a bank robber from Texas, after he cut a line of prisoners waiting to get haircuts.

Bureau of Prisons/University of California Press

6of48

Gangster Al Capone was one of the most famous inmates at Alcatraz. He served his term there from 1934-39. Capone was almost stabbed in the neck by inmate James Lucas, a bank robber from Texas, after he cut a line of prisoners waiting to get haircuts.